Invicta FC brings the old-school one-night tournament back once again tonight, as the Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights takes place live from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas. The winner of the tournament not only receives a load of respect among fight fans, but also will receive a title shot against champion Alesha Zappitella.
To increase fighter safety, both the opening round and semifinal round are exhibition matches that are only one round long. The finals, meanwhile, will go a full three rounds in a non-exhibition matchup.
The Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights field consists of veterans and prospects alike, with varying ages and experience levels. All of the opening round matchups were determined by a fan vote. Former title challenger Jessica Delboni will look to get through the tournament to avenge her split decision title fight loss to Zappitella, but starts the tournament against Rizin and Bellator vet “Batgirl” Tabatha Watkins.
Fellow Rizin and Bellator vet “Damsel” Lindsey VanZandt will also look to rebound from a Zappitella loss as she faces Katie Perez, who rides a two-fight win streak into the tournament. Familiar foes Linda Mihalec and “Lionheart” Jillian DeCoursey will run back their fight at Invicta FC 39, where DeCoursey won by unanimous decision. “Firefox” Paulina Granados returns to MMA for the first time in over two years, taking on short-notice replacement Marisa Messer-Belenchia.
In case of injury, a reserve bout between Kara Vislosky and Samantha Seff will determine who will be an emergency replacement for one of the tournament competitors. This bout will have the same rules as the opening round bouts.
MMA Sucka has fight fans covered with Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights results, happening live on AXS TV and Invicta FC’s YouTube page starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
Invicta FC Phoenix Tournament: Atomweights Results
Finals
Jessica Delboni def. Lindsey VanZandt via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Semifinals
Jessica Delboni def. Marisa Messer-Belenchia via unanimous decision (10-9 x3)
Lindsey VanZandt def. Linda Mihalec via unanimous decision (10-9 x3)
Reserve Bout
Samantha Seff def. Kara Vislosky via split decision (10-9, 9-10, 10-9)
Opening Round
Marisa Messer-Belenchia def. Paulina Granados via split decision (10-9, 9-10, 10-9)
Linda Mihalec def Jillian DeCoursey via split decision (10-9, 9-10, 10-9)
Lindsey VanZandt def. Katie Perez via submission (armbar), 3:10 of Round 1
Jessica Delboni def. Tabatha Watkins via unanimous decision (10-9 x3)
